Karen M. Drabenstott
Associate Professor
School of Information
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1092 USA
Voice: (734) 763-3581
Fax: (734) 764-2475
karen.drabenstott@umich.edu
We must have worn ourselves out discussing "Attracting Minorities" two weeks ago. Despite much interest in a discussion on "Accreditation," message traffic was surprisingly low. Many thanks to Paul Doty for his valiant efforts to get the discussion going.
We will turn to our new topic, "CRISTAL-ED: Efficient and Effective?" which will be hosted by Steve Bonario. Steve co-authored one of the first Web-based, Internet resource guides (Neurosciences Internet Resource Guide) and later co-authored the Web version of Library-Oriented Lists and Electronic Serials. He is currently the manager of the Media Development Department of FutureSoft, Inc., a software company whose flagship product is DynaComm (a terminal emulation package sold primarily to corporations). The Media Development Department is responsible for all print and electronic product documentation and graphic art, including hypertext help systems and the integration of multimedia components into products, demonstrations, and the company's Web site. Most recently, he managed the development of a multimedia CD-ROM for product marketing. Steve is also finishing a master's degree from the University of Michigan's School of Information.
Please welcome Steve Bonario as our guest editor and join us for this important discussion about CRISTAL-ED.
Steve Bonario
JSBonario@aol.com
Members of the CRISTAL-ED Discussion List have generated a two-year archive of thoughts, ideas, and shared experiences about the generation and implementation of a core information science curriculum, as well as other issues orbiting the core. How valuable has this discussion been to you? How has the list met your needs and expectations? Has it changed the way you work, or the way you think about your profession?
In discussing this topic, it may be helpful to think of the axiom: if we are efficient, we are doing things right; if we are effective, we are doing the right things. Is the CRISTAL-ED list doing the right things to meet the needs and expectations of its subscribers, and is it "doing them right?"
Other questions to consider:
Finally, if none of the questions above raise your interest, consider the following scenario:
Your employer is going to reduce access to Internet newsgroups, citing that employees are wasting time reading them when there's other work to be done. However, you can retain access to any newsgroup for which you can justify participation. Opinions are OK, but providing evidence of value is better. Since you don't want to lose your access to CRISTAL-ED, you decide to submit the reasons why your employer should value CRISTAL-ED as much as you do. (Please post your response to the list.)
Kathleen Koontz
73360.3560@CompuServe.com
A friend in library school told me about CRISTAL-ED during the winter of 1995-1996. I subscribed the next day and have been a loyal reader ever since. As a library science student, I found CRISTAL-ED to be a great way to study for comps and to be a valuable resource for outside the class room reading. Several times I was able to use information and opinions read on CRISTAL-ED in classroom discussions.
Since graduating, I continue to turn to CRISTAL-ED to keep informed of current issues in library science. CRISTAL-ED's interactive format provides me with the opinions and insight of many librarians on individual topics which is something I can't get from the print-on-paper professional journals. Through CRISTAL-ED, I have met some wonderful people, one of whom has been kind enough to answer questions and give me advice as I begin my career.
Steve Bonario
JSBonario@aol.com
Thanks, Kathleen, for kicking off the discussion.
I wonder if your comment -- "CRISTAL-ED's interactive format provides me with the opinions and insight of many librarians on individual topics which is something I can't get from the print-on-paper professional journals" -- also holds true for those who were not in graduate school during this formative Internet era?
Kathleen Koontz
73360.3560@CompuServe.com
I can't believe I am the only person who has benefited from CRISTAL-ED. Here is our chance as participants to give input as to the format of this LISTSERV. Does anyone remember the days before the digest format? My fellow graduate students and I were thrilled the first time we saw it. No more opening multiple messages to read the day's postings; eveything was now in one nice package.
What about the length of the discussions? Should certain topics have longer discussion periods than others? If a topic generates lots of discussion should it automatically be scheduled for a second discussion?
What about "lurkers"? Does anyone have any ideas about encouraging them to participate in the discussion? I remember being reluctant to post my ideas at first because I was "just a graduate student."
I really like having the information on subscribing and posting at the bottom of each posting. When I share a posting with a fellow librarian, he or she than knows how to get on the listserv. Having a listing of up coming topics at the end is also nice.
Let's take advantage of this opportunity to let Karen and the others who make Cristal-ed possible know what we like and ways in which it might be improved. At least one person has thought "Wouldn't it be nice if CRISTAL-ED..."
Since I am going to be traveling and switch E-mail accounts next week, I'll miss the last part of this discussion. However, I'm looking forward to reading everyone's comments in the archive version a week from Saturday.
Bob Watson
Executive Director
Franklin Park Public Library District
bwatson@vax.linc.lib.il.us
This is a difficult call. It is very efficient as a way to get points of view posted where others can, if they wish, respond. It is probably also effective, in the narrow technological sense.
And it is a nifty way to meet others, cross swords a time or two, and perhaps come away with an appreciation of another point-of-view. It is more to the point, for me, than the Learning Organization; but seems to hold less promise (even professional promise) than the discussions I enjoy at Electric Minds.
I guess what is lacking for me is a sense of higher purpose. I'd like to see a synopsis, or a discussion of best practice, or a critique of graduate education grow out of this. I'd like something to happen, rather than simply having a place to display my natterings on various topics.
Martin J. Cohen
Media Services and Library Systems
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga, CA 94575
Voice: (510) 631-4229
Fax: (510) 376-6097
mcohen@stmarys-ca.edu
I think CRISTAL-ED is a model of what can be done with a LISTSERV. The well-moderated, thoughtful discussions, stimulated by focussed introductory statements and questions, and the time limits create a means for "scanning" the state of thought and knowledge about critical questions for the field. I like to think of myself more as an appreciative reader than a lurker.
Some topics are more accessible to discussion -- or more controversial. Revisiting them periodically seems preferable to extending the time allotted.
Janet McLaughlin
Specialist, Welfare Benefits
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Burlington, VT 05401
Voice: (802) 656-5982
Fax: (802) 656-5984
I confess -- I'm a "lurker", as Kathleen put it. But I'll take this opportunity to let everyone in on another use of the CRISTAL-ED project. That is allowing prospective students to eavesdrop on the conversations of information professionals.
Having recognized my interest in the field last fall, I sought to learn more about it before committing the time and money involved in getting an MLS. I discovered CRISTAL-ED while browsing the U Michigan Web site, and subscribed because I thought it would further my investigation of LIS as a career. The discussions confirmed my belief that this was a dynamic field that was going through a sometimes difficult yet exciting change as a result of the development of new technologies.
I would like to thank all those involved with CRISTAL-ED as it has helped me (and I suspect others) gain valuable insight in to the theory and practice of library and information science.
I am excited about starting my studies this fall in one of two excellent programs (I'm having a difficult time deciding), and plan to continue to subscribe to this valuable learning tool.
Kitti Canepi
Extended Campus Services Librarian
East Tennessee State University
ETSU/UT at Kingsport
1501 University Blvd.
Kingsport TN 37660
Voice: (423) 392-8011
Fax: 423-392-8014
canepi@etsu-tn.edu
"1. What things do you like about the discussion list? What is it doing well?"
This discussion list keeps my mind thinking about library/information education and the philosophies behind what it is we do. In the schools we are preparing the librarians of the future, therefore, discussion of how we prepare them are closely linked with our vision of our future, and contribute to our ability to turn that vision into reality.
"2. What would you like to see done differently, or perhaps not done at all?"
I agree with comments about extending or rescheduling topics that stir up more interest, and comments about seeing something useful come out of this. This is a great way for those of us in the profession (or studying it) to have our say, but how much influence do these discussions have on library/information science educators? Still, the very fact that we are talking (and thinking) about these issues may eventually have some impact as we share our ideas with those around us.
"3. Which topics have been most useful to you and why?"
Issues more directly related to library practice and how it relates back to education (i.e., this is what we are doing, therefore, what is it they need to know?).
"4. Have you ever used or visited the web site archive of CRISTAL-ED topics?"
Yes. I was pointed to it specifically for information on past discussions on distance education. It is a good starting place to research library-related topics.
"5. Which other lists compete with CRISTAL-ED for your time and attention?"
OFF-CAMP (Off-Campus Library Services) and OUTLIB-L list (Outreach Librarians), as well as discussion lists for librarians in the state and staff/faculty of the university.
Thank you for asking for input. I hope that more subscribers will take advantage of this opportunity.
William Arthur Liebi
Academic librarian
Stadt- und Universitaetsbibliothek Bern
CH-3000 Bern 7 Switzerland
Voice: +41 +31 320 32 259
Fax: +41 +31 320 32 99
liebi@stub.unibe.ch
In my view, the structure is well established: The list owner thanks for the inputs to the previous discussion, announces the new topic and presents the new guest editor in a biographical sketch. The guest moderator formulates introductory remarks and questions to the topic, gives comments during the debate, particularly at the half-way-point, and finally sums up the discussion. From time to time, the list owner asks the members to propose valid topics.
I would maintain the structure. The variables are the discussion topics and the input.
Kathleen Koontz questioned the length of discussion period. It is difficult or even impossible to predict which topic needs a longer discussion period than others. If a topic induces a lot of postings, the discussion should not automatically continue; by analyzing the threads one can decide if a topic should be scheduled for further debate. If there are open questions and aspects not yet treated, the topic may be reformulated and proposed for a new discussion.
It depends on the functions and duties of each member whether discussing a specific topic is more or less useful for the individual. If the topic is up to date for a concerned group of members, the discussion will be of value at least to this group. In a discussion, it is the quality of postings that counts; it is enough to read several (shorter or longer) substantial postings per topic. It is not necessary to be innundated by an enormous amount of messages.
Yes, I do occasionally, for instance sometimes when I am preparing a posting to the list. An archive is useful to recycle the once expressed ideas.
As time is restricted, I actually try to participate actively to CRISTAL-ED rather to switch to other lists.
If the employer, as Steve Bonario supposed, would argue against the participation to discussion groups (I guess this is not likely to happen), you may put forward the following:
The CRISTAL-ED list brings together students, faculty, beginning and experienced practitioners. The success of the list indeed depends on all of us: We are responsible for proposing crucial topics, moderating the discussions and expressing valuable input.
Julia Paris
Subject Librarian
Information Services Department
University of the Western Cape Academic Library
Private Bag X17
Bellville,7535
South Africa
Voice:(021) 959 2924
Fax: (021) 951 3627
julie@lib.uwc.ac.za
Colleagues,
Please allow me to congratulate those colleagues who came up with the idea of discussing contentious LIS issues such as I have encountered on CRISTAL-ED. Some of the topics were really very challenging,others interesting and still others very informative. I got to know about CRISTAL-ED through our education librarian. She introduced CRISTAL-ED to me whilst I was in the process of preparing a conference paper on the changing roles of academic librarians within a technological environment. The discussions at that time included themes I focused on in the paper. It was interesting to see Librarians all over the world going through the same kind of changes as we are here in South Africa -- maybe in a different way, but I could relate to most of the topics discussed. Sometimes the discussion became too theoretical and that pointed out to me again the gap which exists between the first world and third world countries. However, I followed most of the discussion reasonably well and printed out some of the contributions for use in seminars and other research I am currently busy with.
Please do not stop. You are filling a void especially for Third World Librarians who are privileged to have access to Internet and E-mail facilities. Thank you.
Penny Garrod
Research Officer (SKIP Project)
Room 317, Babbage Building
University of Plymouth
Plymouth PL4 8AA
Voice: (01752) 232343
Fax: (01752) 232293
pgarrod@plymouth.ac.uk
I have been following the CRISTAL-ED discussions with great interest here over the pond (University of Plymouth, Devon, England). Many of topics covered have been highly relevant to my work as research officer on a skills related project here. I tend to pass on the CRISTAL-ED address at workshops, conferences as a useful resource for those interesting in progress in the U.S.; it serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession, and of information services within higher education in general, and it also oils the thinking wheels of many who feel overwhelmed by the pace of change in HE over here in England.
The list has proved extremely useful to me, and I would love to hear from anyone who is engaged on similar work to mine, and who might like to exchange information. I'd also welcome a chat with anyone on issues related to staffing of converged services, emerging roles, and new skills for IS working in networked environments, etc.
Here in England the electronic libraries programme (eLib) comprises around 60 projects, with my project (SKIP: Skills for new Information Professionals) as one of seven under the Training Awareness area of the programme. The URL is http://ukoln.bath.ac.uk/elib/
Steve Bonario
JSBonario@aol.com
At this time, only 6 people (of CRISTAL-ED's 1,200 subscribers) have participated in this topic. That's a one-half-of-one-percent participation rate (just a fact, not a judgement).
How about some reaction to these views:
"(CRISTAL-ED) serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession."
"(CRISTAL-ED) seems to hold less promise (even professional promise) than the discussions I enjoy (on another list)."
Do you agree with either statement, or do you have a different take?
Irene Schubert
Acting Chief
Preservation Reformatting Division
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20540
Voice: (202) 707-5918
Fax: (202) 707-6449
isch@loc.gov
I disagree totally with the second statement and I have quite a few problems with the first statement: "(CRISTAL-ED) serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession."
I think CRISTAL-ED is an indicator of what educators and graduate students are thinking is the future of the profession. I also have some problems with the phrase "information profession," although I think it reflects the amorphousness of what used to be (but still may be) librarianship.
I am not sure why this discussion questions whether the LISTSERV is "efficient and effective." Good conversation or discussion would never be called either, as one discovers cul-de-sacs and learns from them as much as from productive threads of thought.
Someone once said that play is the hard work of children. I think this LISTSERV is the play for us children in this "Information (yech) Age." None of us know what we will be when we grow up.
Keep up this inefficient, partly effective LISTSERV!
One of 1,194 lurkers.
Ken Hood
Human Resources Officer
University at Buffalo Libraries
432 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1625
Voice: (716) 645-2965, ext. 236
Fax: (716) 645-3844
kenhood@acsu.buffalo.edu
My response to this question is the second I've contributed since I joined CRISTAL-ED at its inception. It is a valuable tool, particularly for someone in my position as a human resources director. It keeps us "aware" of the current concerns in library education and the profession so we can keep pace with trends and "futures." The low volume is appreciated for those of us who lurk. Lurking should not imply disinterest. Personally, if I were disinterested in these discussions, I would simply contact that being called "Major Domo" and unsubscribe as I have done with numerous other lists which weren't valuable or were a waste of time and energy. I often find the discussions of interest for colleagues and forward the messages and subscription information to them. They can subscribe if interested, and I think some may have joined as a result, even if only to lurk! In short, CRISTAL-ED is valuable to me. Now there are seven responses....
Jennifer Jackson
School of Information Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Voice: (412) 421 3740
Fax: (412) 648 7001
jjackso@icarus.lis.pitt.edu
I am one of the more than 99.5% who have lurked and never posted. As a doctoral student, particularly when I was preparing for comps, I found this mailing list extremely useful and I have often urged several of my fellow students to join.
Specifically I found that listening to the different opinions expressed on the list helped to inform and sometimes shape my own opinions. Comprehensive exams, certainly at my school, require not only that one "knows" the important literature of the profession, but also has opinions of the views expressed in that literature. The variety of informed opinions expressed on this list was invaluable.
Do I believe that CRISTAL-ED serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession? I think it would have more of a chance of doing so if more of the opinions expressed were supported by or linked to the research that has been done in the field. This is true of some contributions but more opinion supported by research would certainly distinguish this list as the premier forum for library education issues.
Tricia L. Rose
UC Berkeley
trose@haas.berkeley.edu
I have found this list to be extremely informative even if I don't always have time to read some of the lengthy postings. I am also considering entering an MLS program but was feeling uncertain of the future of this profession. I think that this list has ensured me that the profession will always exist but perhaps under a different structure or title. I do not know of any other daily discussion about this field that is out there. The most valuable post to me was by Robert W. Bauchspies, Jr, on Wed March 19, 97 re: accreditation. It was eye-opening to see just who holds the reins in turning this profession around and in a new direction.
Another suggestion, I have been viewing but not posting on this list for some time now. I bravely decided to post something to the list awhile back but I guess it was rejected for reasons unknown to me. If you want more people to participate in the discussions you might consider lowering the standards of rhetoric.
James H. Sweetland
School of Library and Information Science
University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Voice: (414) 229-6840
Fax: (414) 229-4848
sweetlnd@csd.uwm.edu
Adding my 2 cents:
First, CRISTAL-ED, whatever its sterling qualities, does not represent even a particularly large fraction of the information professions, not even if this is limited to "librarians," or even if it is limited to "teachers and researchers in the library and information sciences and their students." So, it can't act as stated in the first statement.
Second, I agree with previous posts -- this is an ongoing discussion; maybe it could be effective, but I very serious doubt it should be "efficient."
The discussions sometimes bore me, sometimes excite, sometimes make me angry and sometimes make me happy so many people agree with me -- isn't that what this sort of list is supposed to do?
My one frustration with this discussion (as with a number of others I have had in both reality and quasi-reality [sometimes called "virtual reality"]) is that we don't seem to arrive at any consensus on much of anything. On the other hand, this fact probably just represents the fact that there isn't consensus among the professionals in the field(s).
Or, short version of above: This group does for me about what I expected it to do. Like most LISTSERVs (not to mention group meetings, and classes) most of the people on it don't say much, a few say something now and then, and a very few say something quite regularly -- so?
William Arthur Liebi
Academic librarian
Stadt- und Universitaetsbibliothek Bern
CH-3000 Bern 7 Switzerland
Voice: +41 +31 320 32 259
Fax: +41 +31 320 32 99
liebi@stub.unibe.ch
Comments to some keywords which appeared in the latest postings:
LURKERS
Finally, we got views of people who, until now, took part to the CRISTAL-ED list exclusively, or almost exclusively, by reading posts. Since 99.5 percent of all list members are estimated to belong to this category of "reading participants" (sic!), their opinion about our discussion list is important. As we have the proof now, some of them turn into "reading and writing participants" one day.
RESEARCH-LINKED OPINIONS AND PLAYGROUND
Jennifer Jackson proposes for our list that more of the opinions expressed should be "supported by or linked to the research" in the field.
In contrast to this, Irene Schubert appreciates "good conversation or discussion"; the CRISTAL-ED list should remain a playground "for us children."
Jennifer's way to reach excellence, as I understand it, rather exludes spontaneous or brief statements. It excludes also pragmatic approaches and hypotheses. I think debates about "opinions supported by research" must be extensive; only explanation of targets, indication of methods, presentation of results and their discussion would fulfill strong quality criteria. I think that the best platform for such contributions are peer-reviewed journals. In pursuing the objective of scientific rigor, the frequency of input to the list would slow down - or perhaps attract more participants who adhere to this style.
Tending to Irene's vision, I situate the CRISTAL-ED discussion list as a separate mode of communication used besides personal contacts, attending congresses, reading literature and publishing.
LENGTHY POSTINGS
It could help reading lengthy postings if their authors would use undertitles or apply other means to structurize the text. Another possibility: To bring the most important content at the beginning.
Karen M. Drabenstott
Associate Professor
School of Information
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1092 USA
Voice: (734) 763-3581
Fax: (734) 764-2475
karen.drabenstott@umich.edu
As we draw close to the end of our current discussion on the CRISTAL-ED discussion group, I thought it would be useful to provide our membership with a "State of the CRISTAL-ED Discussion Group" statement.
CRISTAL-ED has been online since January 1995. We have discussed almost 50 different topics and revisited less than five. Examples of the latter are "Management," "Undergraduate Education," and "Distance Learning." Topics range from the more practical "Reinventing Reference Services" to the more theoretical "Relationship of Theory and Practice in Information-intensive Environments." Most guest editors have served once; however, almost all guest editors in 1997 are serving for a second time. Guest editors have run the gamut in terms of their professional connections to the field -- we have practitioners, educators, students in information and related fields. Some of the most active discussions to date have been "Librarians as Political Animals," "Fitting Systems to Users," and "Attracting Minority Students." Here are topics that definitely call for a second round.
The one remaining topic scheduled for this year starts (April 13, 1997) and is entitled "Education for Deinstitutionalizing the Profession," with James Shedlock as moderator. This is Mr. Shedlock's second time as a guest editor. I am having discussions with two volunteers regarding topics for some future, unspecified dates.
I have read and reviewed your comments with great interest during this two-week discussion on the CRISTAL-ED discussion group. Several members suggested making discussion periods variable. This is a really good suggestion but difficult to put into practice for these reasons. First, it is hard to tell how which topics will "catch on" with members. Some examples are "Accreditation" and "Reinventing Reference Services." Their guest editors and I thought these topics would "catch on" but membership responses were very few despite the best efforts of guest editors to "stir up" the discussion. Second, when topics do "catch on," it is difficult to continue them for an extra week because other topics are scheduled and their guest editors cannot readjust to their own schedules (e.g., travel, work responsibilities, vacations and other obligations) and postpone their discussion for a week or two.
What I will try to do in the future is to suggest to guest editors to estimate (one, two, or three weeks) how long they want to hold their discussion. Hopefully, the CRISTAL-ED membership will respond to longer and shorter discussion periods with as many or more messages.
Bob Watson writes, "I guess what is lacking for me is a sense of higher purpose. I'd like to see a synopsis, or a discussion of best practice, or a critique of graduate education grow out of this. I'd like something to happen, rather than simply having a place to display my natterings on various topics." Right on -- I could not agree more! At the beginning of the electronic discussion group (early 1995), I tried to summarize and synthesize discussions. However, I found that I just didn't have the time or the staff to continue my engagement in such activities.
Perhaps master's- or doctoral-level students could take on a summary/synthesis as an indepedent study project for a semester. (I'm asking here for volunteers.)
Finally, what does the future hold for the CRISTAL-ED discussion group? As I mentioned, we have one more scheduled topic. It is getting harder and harder for me to find guest editors. Most guest editors in 1997 are serving for a second time. Are we just plain out of topics, out of guest editors, and out of steam?
In two weeks, we will begin a "New Topics" discussion that will last as long as needed for generating a fresh schedule of topics. You can contact me directly at any time (karen.drabenstott@umich.edu) regarding new topics or other ideas about the discussion group. Steve Wooldridge (swooldri@umich.edu) is always available for answering your technical questions or standing in for me while I am traveling.
To be honest, I believe we are at a critical juncture regarding the future of the CRISTAL-ED electronic discussion group. YOU are the discussion group! You generate the discussions, suggest the topics, volunteer to lead and summarize discussions, and take what you have learned here and apply to relevant situations in your professional lives.
To ensure the future of the CRISTAL-ED list, volunteers must come forward to lead. CRISTAL-ED is not limited to practitioners serving in the information professions. Some of our best discussions to date have been led by professionals in related fields and students who are just beginning their careers or contemplating their involvement in the information professions.
Over the next two weeks, please think about new topics for discussion and ponder what your role should be regarding these new topics. Our new topic on "Deinstitutionalizing the Profession" begins (April 13, 1997). In two weeks, we will start a "New Topics" discussion.
Steve Bonario
JSBonario@aol.com
Many thanks to those who have contributed to the discussion over the past two weeks. I offer the following summary, using quotes from messages distributed to the list:
Topic: "CRISTAL-ED: Efficient and Effective?" -- How has the list met your needs and expectations? Has it changed the way you work, or the way you think about your profession? Questions to consider:
How about some reaction to these views:
"(CRISTAL-ED) serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession."
"(CRISTAL-ED) seems to hold less promise (even professional promise) than the discussions I enjoy (on another list)."
Do you agree with either statement, or do you have a different take?
Opinions and Ideas
"Since graduating, I continue to turn to CRISTAL-ED to keep informed of current issues in library science. CRISTAL-ED's interactive format provides me with the opinions and insight of many librarians on individual topics which is something I can't get from the print on paper professional journals."
"Does anyone remember the days before the digest format? My fellow graduate students and I were thrilled the first time we saw it. No more opening multiple messages to read the day's postings; eveything was now in one nice package."
"I really like having the information on subscribing and posting at the bottom of each posting. When I share a posting with a fellow librarian, he or she than knows how to get on the LISTSERV. Having a listing of up coming topics at the end is also nice."
"It is very efficient as a way to get points of view posted where others can, if they wish, respond. It is probably also effective, in the narrow technological sense."
"It is more to the point, for me, than the Learning Organization; but seems to hold less promise (even professional promise) than the discussions I enjoy at Electric Minds."
"I'd like to see a synopsis, or a discussion of best practice, or a critique of graduate education grow out of this."
"I think CRISTAL-ED is a model of what can be done with a LISTSERV. The well-moderated, thoughtful discussions, stimulated by focussed introductory statements and questions, and the time limits create a means for 'scanning' the state of thought and knowledge about critical questions for the field."
"The discussions confirmed my belief that this was a dynamic field that was going through a sometimes difficult yet exciting change as a result of the development of new technologies."
"Many of topics covered have been highly relevant to my work as research officer on a skills related project here...it serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession, and of information services within Higher Education in general, and it also oils the thinking wheels of many who feel overwhelmed by the pace of change in HE over here in England."
"I disagree totally with the second statement and I have quite a few problems with the first statement: '(CRISTAL-ED) serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession' I think CRISTAL-ED is an indicator of what educators and graduate students are thinking is the future of the profession."
"I am not sure why this discussion questions whether the LISTSERV is 'efficient and effective.' Good conversation or discussion would never be called either, as one discovers cul-de-sacs and learns from them as much as from productive threads of thought. Someone once said that play is the hard work of children. I think this listserv is the play for us children in this 'Information (yech) Age.' "
"It is a valuable tool, particularly for someone in my position as a human resources director. It keeps us 'aware' of the current concerns in library education and the profession so we can keep pace with trends and 'futures.' The low volume is appreciated for those of us who lurk."
"Do I believe that CRISTAL-ED serves as an indicator of the future of the information profession? I think it would have more of a chance of doing so if more of the opinions expressed were supported by or linked to the research that has been done in the field. This is true of some contributions but more opinion supported by research would certainly distinguish this list as the premier forum for library education issues."
"I have found this list to be extremely informative even if I don't always have time to read some of the lengthy postings."
"I bravely decided to post something to the list awhile back but I guess it was rejected for reasons unknown to me. If you want more people to participate in the discussions you might consider lowering the standards of rhetoric."
"CRISTAL-ED, whatever its sterling qualities does not represent even a particularly large fraction of the information professions...So, it can't act as stated in the first statement....I agree with previous posts -- this is an ongoing discussion; maybe it could be effective, but I very serious doubt it should be 'efficient.'"
"This group does for me about what I expected it to do. Like most LISTSERVs...most of the people on it don't say much, a few say something now and then, and a very few say something quite regularly -- so?"
"I think debates about 'opinions supported by research' must be extensive; only explanation of targets, indication of methods, presentation of results and their discussion would fulfill strong quality criteria. I think that the best platform for such contributions are peer-reviewed journals. In pursuing the objective of scientific rigor, the frequency of input to the list would slow down - or perhaps attract more participants who adhere to this style."
"It could help reading lengthy postings if their authors would use undertitles or apply other means to structurize the text. Another possibility: To bring the most important content at the beginning."
Experiences
"As a library science student, I found Cristal-ed to be a great way to study for comps and to be a valuable resource for outside the class room reading. Several times I was able to use information and opinions read on CRISTAL-ED in classroom discussions."
"I discovered CRISTAL-ED while browsing the U Michigan Web site, and subscribed because I thought it would further my investigation of LIS as a career."
"I got to know about CRISTAL-ED through our education librarian. She introduced CRISTAL-ED to me whilst I was in the process of preparing a conference paper on the changing roles of academic librarians within a technological environment. The discussions at that time included themes I focused on in the paper. It was interesting to see librarians all over the world going through the same kind of changes as we are here in South Africa....Please do not stop. You are filling a void especially for Third World Librarians who are privileged to have access to Internet and e-mail facilities."
"I tend to pass on the CRISTAL-ED address at workshops, conferences as a useful resource for those interesting in progress in the U.S."
"I often find the discussions of interest for colleagues and forward the messages and subscription information to them."
"As a doctoral student, particularly when I was preparing for comps, I found this mailing list extremely useful and I have often urged several of my fellow students to join."
"I am also considering entering an MLS program but was feeling uncertain of the future of this profession. I think that this list has ensured me that the profession will always exist but perhaps under a different structure or title. I do not know of any other daily discussion about this field that is out there."
Off-Topic Comments
"I'd also welcome a chat with anyone on issues related to staffing of converged services, emerging roles, and new skills for IS working in networked environments etc. Here in England the electronic libraries programme (eLib) comprises around 60 projects, with my project (SKIP: Skills for New Information Professionals) as one of seven under the Training Awareness area of the programme. The URL is: http://ukoln.bath.ac.uk/elib/ "
Administrative Information
"I thought it would be useful to provide our membership with a "State of the CRISTAL-ED discussion Group" statement. CRISTAL-ED has been online since January 1995. We have discussed almost 50 different topics and revisited less than five."
"Several members suggested making discussion periods variable. This is a really good suggestion but difficult to put into practice for these reasons. First, it is hard to tell how which topics will 'catch on' with members....Second, when topics do 'catch on,' it is difficult to continue them for an extra week because other topics are scheduled and their guest editors cannot readjust to their own schedules....What I will try to do in the future is to suggest to guest editors to estimate (one, two, or three weeks) how long they want to hold their discussion."
"Finally, what does the future hold for the CRISTAL-ED discussion group? As I mentioned, we have one more scheduled topic. It is getting harder and harder for me to find guest editors. Most guest editors in 1997 are serving for a second time. Are we just plain out of topics, out of guest editors, and out of steam?"
"To ensure the future of the CRISTAL-ED list, volunteers must come forward to lead. CRISTAL-ED is not limited to practitioners serving in the information professions. Over the next two weeks, please think about new topics for discussion and ponder what your role should be regarding these new topics."
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